Gemotions

The argument had been loud, a harsh exchange of words that had left her with a throbbing headache. "No birds," he'd insisted. "Too messy. Too loud. Too… avian."

The emptiness of the apartment had settled over her like a heavy blanket. The silence was suffocating. She needed a burst of color, a song, a life other than hers.

She found a brightly plumed parakeet, and a cage. When he came home, she would let him know. The bird would begin to sing, and it would be a clear, simple proclamation.